A new voice emerged today in the race for Farmers Branch City Council, as long time resident, businessman and community volunteer Tony Salerno declared his candidacy for the May election. Salerno announced a “vision for tomorrow” that includes opposing controversial Ordinance 2903, serving as a champion for new business development and forming a special committee to restore the community’s sense of unity and promise.

“I am running for City Council as the candidate that thinks our city can do better,” says Salerno. “The apartment ordinance – immigration Ordinance 2903 – will cost our community hundreds of thousands of dollars and take our focus and attention away from the things that matter most, like better schools, economic progress and a stronger sense of community.

“I will launch this campaign by issuing a challenge to business and community leaders to come together, bridge the divides in our city, and build a true blueprint for economic and social progress. That should be priority No. 1 for any council candidate.”

Salerno, 45, and his wife Carol have lived in Farmers Branch for more than 15 years. Carol is a school teacher in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District. The couple has three children, Karen, Angela and Anthony.

Salerno has experience working with governmental agencies, community organizations, and businesses, both large and small. He began his career working as an engineer at the Johnson Space Center in the Space Shuttle program. He now works as a software engineer, assisting both local and national clients with computer and business systems analysis.

Salerno, who received a bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, holds a master's degree in Systems Engineering from the University of Houston. He has served as a leader and volunteer on numerous boards and coalitions. Most recently, he has served as a leading voice to the city council, business officials and community leaders calling for more public involvement in the immigration ordinances. He has emerged as a voice of reason on the immigration issue in Farmers Branch, strongly in opposition to illegal immigration but opposed to costly and divisive measures that are not in the best interest of the community.

Salerno has formed a volunteer campaign steering committee that includes former city council members and representatives from a number of businesses, churches and educational and civic organizations.